Ledger to get Chauvel Award posthumously

Melbourne, July 18 (AIN): Heath Ledger is to be posthumously awarded the 2008 Chauvel Award for his contribution to the Australian film industry.

The award will be made Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) which takes place August 7.

The news was announced by Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford who revealed that the late actor's friends and colleagues would be present at the event.

"Over the years, there have been many others who have drawn focus to the Australian film industry, either through their own personal achievements in their field or their consistent and staunch support for Australian filmmaking,'' the Herald Sun quoted Mr Welford, as saying.

"Heath Ledger did both, and his passing highlighted how loved and revered he was, not just by fans but by the Australian film-making community.''

Ledger died in New York from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January this year.

ANI